THE FIRE ON THE IONIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 388, 23 May 1908, Page 3

THE FIRE ON THE IONIC.

Amongst the Manawatu Flax. Outbreak Got Under. WEEUNGTON, May 20, The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s fine steamer lonic, which was due to depart for London to-morrow, lies alongside the Glasgow wharf with an outbreak of fire in No. 1 hold. The fire was discovered about 11.30 a.m., while the finishing touches were being put on the work of stowing away the remaining cargo. “It is the Turakiua case over again,” said a well-known officer, “ with this difference, that we have caught it in time, and our chances of getting the upper hand before auy very serious damage is done are still hopeful.” As soon as the fire was reported the hatches were promptly battened down and Captain Carter gave orders to have steam directed into the hold. The Wellington Harbour Board’s staff arrived with its appliances almost immediately, and soon soon two chemical services were directed into the hold known to be filled chiefly with flax. The chemical gases used to extinguish the -fire were generated by the mixture ot sulphuric acid and carbonate of soda. While these remedies were being employed the fire brigadesmen, under Acting-Superintendent O’Brien, and the Fire police also arrived with their gear and continued to render valuable assistance. Water wa£ continually poured on the forward deck of the vessel, and every precaution taken to keep down the temperature as far as possible. The thermometer was frequently used in the lower holds, and after a number of tests the captain was satisfied that the fire was in the upper deck only. The cargo in No 1 hold consists almost entirely of tallow. Wool is stowed in the ’tween decks, and rhe cargo in the upper deck, where the fire has broken out, consists mostly of flax, with a small quantity of general cargo. It is believed that the greater quantity of the flax in the holds has been shipped from the Manawatu and Foxton mills. All the afternoon measures to put the fire out were continued. The Union Company’s tug Terawhiti drew alongside the big steamer and preparations were made to connect up, but it was not anticipated then that either the marine or land extinguisher would be required. Captain Beudall and other experts were then confident that the fire’s career was nearing its end. An officer, who had been below for some time, reported that things were cooling down inside. “We started on it,” he said, “ before it had a chance to get going.” EL This evening the hatches remained sealed. The Harbour Board’s two chemical engines injected chemical mixture into the hold, and the lonic’s own appliances were used to pump steam and inject chemicals into the seat of the fire. The temperature is being reduced hourly.

The Company’s officers state they do not intend to take any risks, and the hatches will not be removed till they feel convinced that all chance of it spreading has passed. The sides of the steamer are hot to touch, but the marked decrease in temperature hour by hour leads to the hope and belief that the fire will soon be extinguished. The steamer’s departure for Pondon is postponed to Friday for the present. Wellington, May 21.

At a late hour to-night the water with which the lonic’s No. 1 hold was flooded had been pumped out to the extent of eight or nine feet and some cargo discharged from that and No. 2 hold for examination.

The Company hopes to despatch the steamer for Pondon on Sunday.

Wellington, May 21

At eight o’clock this morning the hatches on the lonic’s forehold were taken off. The fire was found to be burning fiercely, and the plates of the vessel were hot. The chemical engines are hard at work, but apparently are not making much headway. It is possible that the whole of the hold will have to be flooded, with the aid of the tug Terawhiti.

The construction of the hold is different to that of the Turakina, inasmuch as it is possible to flood that part of the vessel without injuring the other part of the cargo.